Rotary current-reversing switch



June l7, 1930. c s 1,765,132

ROTARY CURRENT REVERSING SWITCH Filed April 16, 1928 INVENTOR PatentedJune 17, 1930 UNITED STATES- FRED r. omrnsnn, on nosnnune, onneoiv VROTARY CURRENT-REVERSING SWITCH Application filed April 16, 1928. SerialNo. 270,560.

This invention relates to an electrical current reversing switch, andhas for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, apositive and sensitive switch of such class for expeditiously andsatisfactorily reversing the current when desired, and further wherebythe switch is so constructed and arranged to practically eliminatesparking when operated from one position to another.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, anelectrical reversing switch of the rotary typehaving the elements thereof so constructed and arranged and coactingwith each other to'set up a cleaning action therefor on the operation ofthe switch under such conditions maintaining such elements clean at alltimes.

' Further objects of the invention are to provide an electrical currentreversing switch of the rotary type and in amanner as hereinafter setforth which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong,durable, compact, thoroughly eflicient in its'use, positive in itsaction, sensitive, conveniently operated', readily assembled andcomparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists ofthe novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts ashereinafter more specifically referred to and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention,but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modificationscan be resorted to which fall within the scope of the claims hereuntoappended. 7

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote correspondingparts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a rotary reversing switch in accordancewith this invention and with the cover plate removed and furtherillustrating in full and in dotted lines various positions of thereversing lever.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional View of the switch'with the cover platein position.

A switch in accordance with this invention is of the rotary type andincludes a circular casing orhous'ing referred to generally at 8 andwhich comprises a body portion 4, in the form of an annulus, a bottom 5which abuts against the inner edge of the body portion 4 and is fixedlysecured thereto by the holdfast devices 6. The casing or housing 3 alsoincludes a removable cover 7 positioned against the outer edge of thebody portion 4. The outer edge 8 of the body portion 4 is formed with apair of diametrically disposed wide grooves or cutouts 9, 10 to provideclearances for the reversing lever 11, and the latter is of a lengthto'extend a substantial distance from the clearance 9 to provide-ahandle part 12. The lever 11 also projects from the clearance 10, as at13 and suchprojecting portion of the lever 11 is less in length than theprojecting portion of said lever 11 which provides the handle part 12.

The side walls 14, 15 of the clearances 9, 10

limit the rotative movement of the lever 11 in opposite directions. Whenthe lever 11 is shifted in a clock-wise direction its movement islimitedby the walls 14, 15 of the clearances, 9, 10 respectively, andwhen shifted in anti-clock-wise direction its movement is limited by thewalls 14, 15 of the clearances 10, 9 respectively.

The body portion 4 has its inner face provided with an annular shoulder16 and that portion of the inner face of the body portion 4, from theshoulder '16 to the inner edge of said body portion 4, is flared as at17 and by this arrangement the inner face of the body portion 17 fromthe inner edge of the latter to the shoulder 16 gradually decreases indiameter. The body port-ion 4 is provided with an opening 18 for theentrance of current conductors 19, 20, 21 and 22.

The cover plate 7 has the perimeter of its inner face at diametricallydisposed points recessed as at 23, 24 and whichoppose and are arrangedover the clearances 9, 10.

Secured within the body portion 4, and abutting against the shoulder 14,is a base member 25 formed of insulation material, preferably bakelite.The base member 25 is of the desired thickness and snugly abuts againstthe inner face of the body portion 4 below the shoulder 6.

Revolubly supported on the base member 25 is a current reversing elementreferred to generally "at 26 and which is of circular contour. Themember 26 is formed of three sections 27, 28 and 29. The sections 28 and29 are of segmental contour and the section 29 is of slightly greaterlength than the section 28. The sections. 28 and 29 are formed ofconducti are term brushes. The section 2718 formed of non-conductingmaterial and has its upper face formed with a 'circularenlargement 30; yThe working edge of a brush 28 or 29 is of.

arcuate curvature and forms a continuation of the arc of the edge of thesection 27 and the latter is formed with a centrally disposed opening31'communicating at its upper end ina' socket 32 formed centrally of theupper face of the member 26. Extending through the opening 30 andthrough the base 25, as well as threadedly engaging with the latter, isa headed bolt 33 constituting a pivot for the member 26. The head 34 ofthe bolt 33 is positioned within the socket 32 and interposed betweensaid head 34 and the base of the socket is'a washer 35. Carried on thelower end of the bolt 33 and positioned below the base 25 are securingnuts 36 for the bolts section 27 is furthermore provided with. pair ofdiametrically disposed openings 37 having threaded walls with whichengage the coupling screws 38 which extend through and are countersunkin the lever 11 and provide means for fixedly securing the lever 11 tothe member 26.

The diameter of the member 26 is materially less than the diameter ofthe base 25 and secured to the latter, and arranged equi-distant withrespect to each other, as well as positionedadjacent the member 26, arefour terminals 39,40, 41 and 42 for the power lines 19, 20, 21 and 22respectively. The terminals depend below the base 25 and have the powerlines electrically connected therewith as at 43. The terminals extend asubstantial distance above the base 25 and are formed with enlargedupper portions thereby providing shoulders 44 which abut the up r faceof the base 25. The upper portions 0 the terminals are formedwithconcaved inner sides against which,, are secured by .holdfast devices 45resilient. supports or carriers 46 of arcuate 1 form standing on edgeand of materially .greater length than the diameter of the upperportionsrof the terminals. The carrier 46 which is secured to theterminal 39 has secured to its innerface, at each end thereof, a brushorcontact and: said "brushes or contactsare indicated M47, 48 and arenormally arranged in spaced relation-with respect to the member 26; Alike arrangement of brushesor-contacts is had in connectian with the ofthe, other terminals and the it brushes or'contacts for theterminal 40are in- 5 (heated at 49, 50. for the terminal 41 materiahpreferablycopper, and

- position and eliminates the possibility of an at 51, 52 and those forthe terminal 42 at 53, 54. The brush 47 opposes the brush 49. The brush50 opposes the brush 51. The brush 52 opposes the brush 53 and the brush54 opposes the brush 48. The opposed brushes are arranged in spacedrelation. The carriers resiliently su port the brushes. The hold- 7 fastdevices or securing the brushes to the carriers are indicated at 55. Thecarriers are secured centrally thereof to the upper portions of theterminals.

. The base 25 is formed with a pair of open; ings 56 arranged outwardlywith respect to the carriers and through said openings 26 is adapted topass a pair of retaining bolts 57, only one of which is shown. The bolts57 are adapted to en ge in the cover-plate 7 for securing it, tot ehousing or casing. By this arrangement the cover plate 7 is secured inone openingthe case and tampering with t e switch. The cover plate 7 isformed with an opening 58; and the lever 11. with an opening 59 which isadapted to register with the opening 58. Secured to the cover plate 7 isa key operated locking mechanism 60 for the lever 11 andsaid mechanismincludes a locking bolt 61 for passage through the open ing 58, to e 1nthe ope 59 to lock the lever 11 rom movement. ny suitable key operatedmechanism for such purpose can be employed.

The reversing lever 11 is spring controlled and for such purpose it hassecured to the end portion 13 thereof, by the holdfast device 61 adepending apertured lug 62 which slides on a semi-circular rail63'arranged in spaced relation withrespect to the body portion 4 of thecasing or housing 3.

The rail 63 has its ends detachablyconnected to laterally extendingapertured lug or supporting means 64 which are secured to and pro ectlaterally from the body portion 4 of o r the casing or housing 3.Mounted on the rail 63 is a pair at spaced coiled sprin 65 66 arrangedin the path of the depen ing-lugs 63 7 whereby when the lever 11 isshifted to dotted line position asindicated at -A the spring 65 will becompressed so that when lever 11 is released it will be returned to itsnormal position. When lever 11 is shifted to the dotted line positionindicated at B the spring 66 will be compressed so that when lever 11isreleased it will be restored to normal position.

The springs 65 and 66 act to maintain the lever 11 in the full lineposition shown in Figure 1'. I

The positive terminal is indicated at B.

ativeG and shield R at the top: If the operatordesire's' tetra-1econnections the lever" 11 is released" and reun ted to nornial positionby spring 65. In order to turn the motor in the opposite direction,the'leverll is shifted to position B. This connects the positiveterminal B with field R on the bottom and thenegative terminal G andfield S onthe top.

The brush 29 which operates on the terminal B is somewhat longer thanthe brush 28'. This is'for the purpose of making a positive connectionwith the two lower brushes before the top brush engages either one ofthe field brushes on the negative side and by this arrangement itpractically eliminates all sparking.

Asthe switch operatesin a rotary manner, it is very sensitive andpositive and due to the rotaryantion it is inclined to keep all pointsofcontact clean at all times. WVhen pressureis released'on the lever 11it is immediately restored to normal position.

It is thought the many advantages of a rotary switch,'for the purposereferred to and in accordance with this invention, can be readilyunderstood, and although the preferred embodiment of the invention is asillustrated and described,- yet it is to be understood that changes inthe details of con struction can be had which fall within the scope ofthe invention as claimed;

Whit I claim is:

1. 'A currentrefversing' switch comprising a positive terminal,- aneg'ative terminal, a

. right hand field terminal, a left hand field terminan'eani of saidterminals including a carrier at one end thereof provided with a pair ofspaced brushes, said carriers spaced fromeach other, and a normallyinactive romaneciurr'ent reversing device including a pair ofbrssheseaeh for selectively bridging brushes of a selected pair ofterminals when said device is shifted from normal position.

2. A current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal; anegativeterminal, a right hand field terminal, a left hand fieldterminal, each of said terminals including a carrier atone end thereofprovided with a pair of spaced brushes, said carriers spaced. from eachother, and a normally inactive rotatable current reversing deviceincluding a pair of brushes'each fors'electively bridging brushes of aselected pair of terminals when said device is shifted from normalposition, said carrier's being resilient and each carrier having thebrushes with which it is provided positioned at each end thereof.

3. A current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal,aneg'ative' terminal, a right handv field terminal,- a left hand fieldterminal, each of said terminals including a a carrier at one endthereof provided with a pair of.spacedb1tushes',-and a normally inactiverotatable icemnt reversing device including a; pair of" bru'she's eachfor selectively bridging'brushes' of a selected pair of terminals whensaid device is shifted from normalposition, the brushes of said devicebeing of segmental contour, each of said carrier's being resilient andof arcuate contour and having the brushes with'which it is providedpositioned at eachend thereof, and said carriers spaced from each other,arranged in a circular row and spaced from said device.

l: A; current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal, anegative terminal, a right hand field terminal, a left hand fieldterminal, each of said terminals including a carrier at one end thereofprovided with a pair of spaced brushes, and a normally inactive,rotatable current reversing device including a spring controlledshifting lever therefor and further including a revoluble circularelement having spaced portions thereof providing a pair of brushes, eachfor selectively bridging'brushesof a selected pair of terminals whenthe'device is shifted from normal position.

5. A- current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal, a"negative terminal, a right hand field terminal, a left hand fieldterminal, each of said terminals including a carrier at one end thereofprovided with a pair of spaced brushes, a normally inactive, rotatablecurrent reversing device including a spring controlled shifting levertherefor and further including a circular, element formed of a nonconducting part and a pair of conducting parts separated by thenonconducting parts, said conducting parts providing a pair of brushes,each for selectively bridging brushes of a selected pair of terminalswhen the device is shifted from normal position, and means engaging thesaid lever for locking said device from movement.

61 A current reversing switch comprising positive terminal, a negativeterminal, a right hand field terminal, a left hand field terminal, eachof'said terminals including a carrier at one end thereof provided with apair of spaced brushes, said carriers spaced from each other, a normallyinactive, rotatable current reversing device including a springcontrolled shifting lever therefor and further including a revoluble,circular element formed of a non-conducting partand a pair of conductingparts spaced from each other by said non-conducting part, said conducting parts providing a pair of brushes, each forselectively bridgingbrushes of a selected pair of terminals when the device is shifted fromnormalposition', the brushes on each of said carriers positioned at oneend of the latter.

-7. A current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal, anegative terminal, a right hand field terminal, a left hand field terminaheach of said terminals including a carrier provided with a pairof spaced brushes, and a normally inactive, rotatable ther including arevoluble element provided with a pair of brushes, each for selectivelybridging brushesof a selected pair of terminals when the device isshifted from normal position, the brushes of said device being of entalcontour, said carriers being resilient, spaced from each other,ofarcuatecentour, arranged in a circular row, opposing said element and eachhaving thebrushes which they are provided with ositioned at each endthereof and extended toward the brushes of said device.

l 8. A current reversing switch comprising a positive terminal, anegative terminal, a

right hand field terminal, a left hand field terminal, each of saidterminals including a resilient carrier provided with a pair of spacedbrushes, and a normally inactive, rotatable current reversing deviceincluding a shifting'lever therefor and further including a. revolubleelement formed of a non-conducting part and a pair of conducting partsspaced from each other bythe non-conducting part, said conducting partsproviding a air of brushes each for selectively brid g rushes ofaselected air of terminalsw en said deviceis shifte from normal position.

,9, A current reversing switch comprising a itive terminal, a negativeterminal, a right hand field terminal, a'left hand field terminal, eachof said terminals including a resilient carrier at one end thereof, saidcarrier being of arcuate form and provided with .apair of spacedbrushes, a normally inactive, rotatable current reversing deviceincludin a, shifting lever therefor and further inclu :ing a revolubleelement carrying'apair of brushes, each ,for selectively bridgingbrushes of a selected pair of terminals when said device is shifted fromnormal position,

and controlling springs for and positioned in the path of inovement'ofone end of said lever, said .lever .havingsaid end provided with meansfor-engagement by said controlling sprin whereby the lever isnormallymaintains in neutral position. f

10. A current reversing switch comprising a positive teminal, a negativeterminal, a

righthand field. terminal, a left hand field terminal, each of saidterminals including 3 resilient carrier at one end thereof provi withapair of spaced brushes, said carriers spaced fromv each other andarranged in circular alignment, anorinallyinactive, rotatable currentreversing device includincina shifting lever therefor and further inclug a revoluble'element having portions thereof lever, said lever havingone end constituting a pair of brushes, each for: se-

lectively bridging brushes ofaselected pair ofterminals when saiddeviceis shifted from normal pesition',oontrolling springs for saidrovided with means for engagement by. sai controlvice in inactiveposition.

bri

lin sprin whereby the lever is normally maintains in neutral position,and means engaging the said lever for locking and de- 11. Acurrentreversing switch comprising a positive terminal, a negativeterminal, a

right hand fieldterminal, a left hand field terminal, each of saidterminals including a carrier at one end thereof provided with a pair ofspaced brushes, a normally inactive, i

rotatable'current reversi device including a spring controlled shiftmglever therefor and further including a revoluble, circular elementhaving a non-conducting part and. a pair of conducting parts space otherby said non-conducting part, said conductin parts providing a pairofbrushes each or selectively bridging brushes of a.

selected pair of terminals when the device is shifted from normalposition, a base carrying said terminalsandsaid device, a casingenclosing said base, terminals and device and including-aremovable. endplate, connections between said plate and base for securing themtogether and said plate in position,sai

lever having its ends extended from the housing, and controlling springsfor said lever arranged in i thereof.

12. A: current. revers ng switch from each thespath of one of the endsing a positive terminal, anegative terminal,

a right hand field arma a: left handifi terminal, each of said includinga carrier provided with ,a pair of spaced brushes, a normally,inactive,rotatable a p n rent reversing device including trolled sh fting levertherefor and for including a revoluble, circular v element has, 7 ingspaced segmental portions thereof providing a.

ng rushes of a selected I mina s when the device is shift from nor malposition, a base car said terminals and said device, a. casing enc osingsaid base, terminalsand device and including a removair of ter- %111.0fbrushes each for selectively able end plate, connections between saidplate and base for securi theinitogether and said plate inpositiomsaid'leverhavin its ends extended from the housing, an resilientmeans'supportedfrom exteriorly of the hgusing, said-resilient meanspositioned t e in th of-one' end Offfifld lever for controllin thelatter. 13. current reversing device comprisiihg a casin means arrangedtherein and inclu ing a. 'ftable lever for selectively reversing thedirection of the current, said leverhaving and resilient means supportedfrom the easing exterior-l thereof and;engeging with one? end of. s verit to normal 14. A..curi-ent bqthef itsends extended from said casing,-

the direction of the current, said lever having its ends extended fromsaid'casing, one end of the lever projecting a greater distance from thecasing than the other end and providing a handle means, resilient meanssupported from the casing exteriorly thereof and engaging With that endof the lever nearest the casing for restoring the lever to normalposition, and means carried by the housing and engaging in the lever forlooking it from movement. I 15. A current reversing switch comprising apositive terminal, a negative terminal, a right hand field terminal, aleft hand field 5 terminal, each of said terminals including aresilient, arcuate carrier at the inner end thereof, said carrierprovided With a pair of spaced brushes, said carriers arranged in spacedrelation and in circular alignment, a normally inactive, rotatablecurrent reversing device including a spring controlled shifting leverand further including a circular element carried With the lever andformed of a non-conducting part and a pair ,5 of conducting partsseparated by said nonconducting part said circular element surrounded bysaid carriers and said conducting parts thereof providing a pair ofbrushes, each for selectively bridging brushes of a se- 301ected pair ofterminals when the lever is shifted from normal position, and meansengaging the lever for locking the device from movement.

In testimony Whereof,'I aflix my signature hereto.

FRED F. CRITESER.

